- Attraction: Cider Corps Mesa (The Bunker Taproom)
- Location: 31 S Robson, Ste 103, Mesa, AZ 85210
- Industry: Taproom, Restaurant
- Website: https://www.cidercorpsaz.com/mesa
What began as a therapeutic hobby for a wounded Marine has evolved into Arizona’s largest craft cidery, proving that the most meaningful businesses often emerge from the deepest personal challenges.
Founded by brothers Josh and Jason Duren after Jason sustained two traumatic brain injuries while serving in Afghanistan, Cider Corps represents far more than exceptional craft beverages – it’s a mission-driven enterprise dedicated to honoring veterans while pushing the boundaries of what cider can become.
Since opening their Mesa taproom in 2017, these innovative brothers have transformed Arizona’s cider landscape by creating wildly inventive flavors that challenge preconceptions while building a community gathering place where veterans, neighbors, and generations connect over extraordinary craft beverages.
Revolutionary Cider Creations
Purple Heart Tribute: This extraordinary violet-colored cider combines cascara (coffee cherry) and butterfly pea flower to create an earthy, complex flavor profile unlike anything in traditional cider.
With every pint sold, $1 goes directly to Mesa’s Veterans Resource Center, making each sip a contribution to veteran support.
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Keep Exploring →Mango Foxtrot Innovation: This bold creation infuses mango and rose hip flavors into fermented apple base, demonstrating the brewery’s craft cocktail philosophy of balancing sweet and bitter elements for unexpectedly sophisticated results.
P.O.G. Tropical Explosion: Passionfruit, orange, and guava transform traditional cider into a tropical vacation in a glass, showcasing how creative fruit combinations can completely reimagine familiar beverages.
Blackberry Grenade Heat: The daring combination of blackberry, morita chile, and habanero creates a flavor adventure that balances fruity sweetness with genuine heat, appealing to adventurous palates seeking new experiences.
Blueberry Angels Spice: Blueberry paired with cassia bark creates warming spice notes that make this seasonal favorite perfect for Arizona’s cooler months and holiday celebrations.
Apache Helicopter Signature: This customer favorite demonstrates the brewery’s military-inspired naming convention while delivering flavors that keep regulars returning for more.
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Discover MoreInnovative Brewing Philosophy
Craft Cocktail Approach: Each batch begins with fermented apple blends combined with fruits and botanicals, following cocktail-making principles to create complex yet approachable ciders that appeal to diverse tastes.
Boundary-Pushing Experimentation: The brothers aggressively tinker with traditional cider profiles, adding everything from coffee to cascara to create potently strange brews that redefine what cider can be.
15 Rotating Taps: The Mesa taproom features an constantly evolving selection that ensures regular customers always discover new flavor adventures and seasonal specialties.
Hazy Cider Trends: Following craft beer innovations, they create ciders with sediment that provide textural interest and enhanced flavor complexity.
Cider Bombs Limited Releases: These experimental 32-oz canned creations are available exclusively at the Mesa taproom, released weekly for online pre-order until they sell out completely.
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Keep Exploring →Cider Slushies: Frozen cider treats provide refreshing relief from Arizona heat while delivering the same complex flavors in a fun, approachable format.
Flight Adventures: $10 flights include six generous 3+ ounce pours of your choice, allowing exploration of the full flavor spectrum from traditional to wildly experimental.
Happy Hour Value: Monday through Thursday, $4 pours from 2-5 PM make premium craft cider accessible while supporting the local community.
Community Gathering Space
The Bunker Atmosphere: The spacious warehouse-style layout with garage doors creates an airy, welcoming environment that reflects military influence while remaining accessible to all community members.
Myke’s Pizza Partnership: Wood-fired pizza available on-site provides perfect food pairings for cider flights and creates a complete dining and drinking experience.
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Discover MorePair Cupworks Coffee: Morning coffee service ensures the space serves the community throughout the day, not just during traditional drinking hours.
Mission-Driven Impact
Veterans Resource Center Support: Direct donations from Purple Heart sales demonstrate ongoing commitment to supporting local veteran services and addressing real community needs.
Community Fundraising: The taproom serves as a venue for veteran-focused fundraisers and awareness events that strengthen support networks for those who’ve served.
National Veteran Recognition: Their story has gained national attention, helping raise awareness about veteran issues and the power of entrepreneurship in healing and recovery.
Practical Information
Extensive Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 AM-10 PM, Friday-Saturday 11 AM-Midnight, Sunday 11 AM-8 PM provide flexibility for different schedules and occasions.
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Keep Exploring →Downtown Mesa Location: Easy access in the heart of Mesa’s revitalized downtown area with ample parking and proximity to other attractions and dining options.
Growth and Distribution: Beyond the taproom, Cider Corps products are available at Whole Foods, AJ’s Fine Foods, Total Wine, and over 100 restaurants and bars throughout Arizona.
Cider Corps Mesa
📍 31 S Robson, Ste 103, Mesa, AZ 85210
